By Myrna Trauntvein
TN Correspondent

Shay Morrison, R6 Regional Council Community Planner, presented Mona City Council with the Executive Summary of R6 regional Council (formerly six-county AOG) for 2024.

“R6 Regional Council leads the state in program management and pilot initiatives that deliver exceptional value to both the region and Utah as a whole,” said Morrison.

He said that the summery shows the efforts made strengthen economic development, improve infrastructure and enhance community well-being, he said. By fostering innovative partnerships and addressing critical regional challenges, R6 demonstrates its role as a trusted leader in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the six-county region by shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the six-county region.

Part of the Executive Summary states: “As R6 continues to build on this momentum, the organization remains dedicated to driving regional progress and serving as a model of success for the entire state.”

Morrison said that the R6 Regional Council oversees the administration of 55 state and federal programs designed to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region and to address critical needs.

Those included affordable housing, Veteran’s services, aging and elder care, and Medicare support.

By coordinating resources, and providing essential services, the council ensures that residents have access to vital programs that promote stability, health and well-being. R6 plays a pivotal role in supporting the diverse needs of the communities it serves.

“Over 5,000 people were served,” said Morrison. “Juab received 7 percent of the service, Millard 11 percent, Piute 2 percent, Sanpete 30 percent, Sevier 47 percent, and Wayne 47 percent.”

Through housing services, Juab had four home repairs, seven rental assistance, 145 utility assistance, zero home crisis repair and zero CROWN Self-help.

For comparison, the highest use went to Sevier, with 25 home repairs, 228 rental assistance, 704 utility assistance, 11 crisis home repairs, and five CROWN self-help.

In all, there were 73 home repairs, 292 rental assistance, 1,749 utility assistance, 27 home crisis repairs and 35 CROWN self help.

“When it came to aging services, Juab had 22 total volunteers, 14,528 senior meals were served, three Medicare clients were assisted, residents were helped with 74 tax returns, and had 25 case management helps,” he said.

Once again Sevier received the most help but they had the most volunteers at 369, 56,850 senior meals, 198 Medicare clients, 350 tax returns, and 153 case management helps.

The latest population estimates were for 2023: Juab population 13,023, Millard 13,437, Piute 1,550, Sanpete 30,277, Sevier 22,344, Wayne 2,614.

Thirty-two well-known R-6 programs are available to residents. Others exist but are less-used.

“My job as a community advisor is to work closely with the communities I have in my care,” he said. “Community advisors are to provide support and help with ordinances, planning, budgeting, grant writing and more.”

He was serving cities in three counties, said Morrison.

Morrison was one of five R6 Community Advisors. Brock Jackson, Cade Penney, Jess Peterson and Tyler Timmons were also R6 Community Advisors.

Sevier was high in its needs and three of the advisors split those meetings.

There are 12 cities in Sevier County, five cities in Juab County, four cities in Piute County, 13 cities in Sanpete County, 13 cities in Millard County, and seven cities in Wayne County.

Shaun Kjar is the Agri-Park Director, Travis Kyhl is R6 Executive Director, JaLyne Roundy is R6 Chief Financial Officer, Amy Rosquist is R6 Revolving Loan Fund Manager/Executive Assistant, and Abby Ivory is R6 Regional Economic Development Coordinator.

“R6 excels at coordinating economic development on a regional level, fostering collaboration among counties and communities to achieve shared success. By aligning resources, strategies and initiatives, R6 drives sustainable growth that benefits the entire region,” said Morrison.

He also said that R6 is a leader in promoting and completing regional projects that benefit the entire region. Through innovative collaboration and seamless coordination, R6 brings together communities, resources, and stakeholder to tackle challenges and deliver impactful solutions.

“When it came to community visits,” he said, “Juab had 41 visits, 185 completed tasks, and had been assisted with five grants.”

Millard had 63 visits, 83 completed tasks, and grant assistance nine times; Piute had 34 community visits, 59 completed tasks, and received grant assistance nine times; Sanpete had 83 community visits, 57 completed tasks, and received grant assistance 13 times; Sevier had 124 community visits, 257 completed tasks, and received grant assistance 34 times; Wayne had 65 community visits, 189 completed tasks, and received grant assistance 14 times.

The Revolving Loan Fund provides capital for small businesses. When the loan is repaid, the fund revolves to support more businesses. The loans can help small businesses to grow, create jobs and lead to new employment opportunities.

The grant money awarded was $786,000 and there were nine applications. Money has been awarded to Millard in two loans for $198,000; Piute one loan of $73,000; Sanpete three loans are $326,750; Sevier three loans at $326,750; and Wayne two loans at $322,000.

“R6 has an annual budget of $10,805,000. The counties contribute 3 percent or $312,000, Federal funds are 48 percent and state 47 percent,” said Morrison.

Juab contributes $46,724, Millard $50,965, Piute $6,901, Sanpete $112,736,, Sevier $84,767 and Wayne $9,906.

“Every one dollar from the counties is leveraged into $35 in state and federal funds,” said Morrison.